For Junior Ben Suku, the youngest of seven from Makira Ulawa and Malaita Provinces, life has been shaped by faith and family. Now a Form 7 Science student at Betikama Adventist College, his journey has been one of struggle, discovery, and transformation.
When Junior first arrived at Betikama in 2024, he faced the challenge of being away from family for the first time. School fees were a constant burden, and conflicting voices about his future career left him confused. His heart leaned to-ward ministry, but those around him discouraged the idea.
It was during chapel and worship services that Junior first learned about the Counselling Centre, established at Betikama through ADRA’s Thrift Fund support. Curiosity led him there, and soon he found guidance from the School Chaplain, Minister Bryan Solomon. “Visiting the counselling room relieves my stress and worries. By sharing my burden, I feel lighter,” Junior recalls.
Through counselling, he found both emotional support and practical advice. He was encouraged to work during school holidays to pay his fees. Alongside other students in similar strug-gles, he helped form the “Station Boys,” a group dedicated to supporting their own education. In prayer and counselling sessions, Junior finally admitted his true desire to become a minister. Minister Bryan affirmed his calling and arranged for him to attend a Pastors’ Evangelistic Seminar, which became a life-changing experience.
Today, Junior’s academic performance has improved, his friendships have deepened, and his faith has grown stronger. He describes the Counselling Centre as “God’s little house-where He listens, heals, and sets direction.” Junior now encourages others to use the centre and strongly advocates for a full-time counsellor to support more students from rural backgrounds who face similar challenges.
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[ADRA_SI Newsletter]
